Automatic safety feed system for liquids

ABSTRACT

A unit system adapted to feed any number of liquid destinations on demand, especially dangerous liquids, and comprising a protected storage of said liquid, a motor driven pump means supplying said liquid into a holding means, a safety inlet valve governing flow of liquid from said pump means and into the holding means, and a flow outlet dispensing the said liquid; the invention residing in a motor and safety inlet control means responsive to high and low level sensors in said holding means so as to maintain a normal level therein, outlet safety means responsive to excessive flow in said outlet from the holding means and closing the safety inlet valve, and overflow safety means responsive to flooding of the holding means and overriding the motor control means. Utility resides in the adaptability to multiple installations wherein the fluid circuitry of each unit remains individually operable and protected while drawing from a common storage and motor driven pump means.

United States Patent Littlejohn [54] 2 AUTOMATIC SAFETY FEED SYSTEM FORLIQUIDS [72] Inventor: Frederick G. Littlejohn, 17352 Sunset Blvd. Apt.702D, Pacific Palisades, Calif. 90272 [22] Filed: Sept. 21, 1970 [21]Appl. N0.: 73,784

[52] US. Cl ..222/68 [51] Int. Cl. ..B67d 5/08 [58] Field of Search..222/64, 67, 68

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,667,990 2/1954 Mojonnier..222/67 3,075,749 l/l963 Mason, Jr. et al. ..222/67 X PrimaryExaminer-Stanley H. Tollberg Att0rney--William H. Maxwell 51 Oct. 3,1972 [57] ABSTRACT A unit system adapted to feed any number of liquiddestinations on demand, especially dangerous liquids,

and comprising a protected storage of said liquid, a

motor driven pump means supplying said liquid into a holding means, asafety inlet valve governing flow of liquid from said pump means andinto the holding means, and a flow outlet dispensing the said liquid;the invention residing in a motor and safety inlet control meansresponsive to high and low level sensors in said holding means so as tomaintain a normal level therein, outlet safety means responsive toexcessive flow in said outlet from the holding means and closing thesafety inlet valve, and overflow safety means responsive to flooding ofthe holding means and overriding the motor control means. Utilityresides in the adaptability to multiple installations wherein the fluidcircuitry of each unit remains individually operable and protected whiledrawing from a common storage and motor driven pump means.

21 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEDHBT3 191 3,695,485

sum 1 or 2 INVENTOR.

Fksofx/or 6 Z/TIZEroH/r MIM AUTOMATIC SAFETY FEED SYSTEM FOR LIQUIDSThis invention is concerned with the storage and supply of dangerousliquids such as, for example,

isopropyl alcohol as it is used to enhance the processes of printingwherein an admixture of water and alcohol, and/or each solution, anddampening solutions, are used in the fountains of printing presses.There are many fountain solutions that are used and for this reasonthere are many admixtures requiring various basic fluids, dispensationthereof being the subject matter of this disclosure. Further, thedestination of liquids to be used commercially in a press facility, forexample, is complex involving more than one press or pressroom and alsoinvolving more than one level of installation. Heretofore, it has beencommon practice to batch feed solution circulators and to replenish themmanually with a bucket or bottle or canister of liquid and from time totime; there being a recognized purpose in said practice when dispensinga dangerously inflammable liquid such as alcohol. In practice, bulkstorage of alcohol has been in drums confined within fireproof vaults,and the transfer of alcohol to the presses has been a manual timeconsuming service, but nevertheless accompanied by the prevalent dangerin openly handling the inflammable liquid. Therefore, it is an object ofthis invention to provide a safe storage and automatic dispenser withfail-safe means protecting the supplyand discharge of liquid to any onedestination thereof.

When alcohol is used in the fountain solutions of printing presses,evaporation becomes a critical factor. Since alcohol evaporates fasterthan water, a predetermined mix is maintained in balance by means ofhydrometer controlled mixture determining devices. Consequently, thereis a continuous demand for supplement alcohol and in large printinginstallations the demand is burdensome and often difficult to meet withmanual labor. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to providean'automated feed system for the liquid constituents of fountainsolutions. With present circulators and hydrometer controlled supply ofliquid thereto, it is the automated supply of liquid which is providedas hereinafter described.

An object of this invention is to provide a holding means and pressuresupply of liquid that is immediately available to flow at thedestination to which it is plumbed. Another object of this invention isto provide a safety inlet valve opening into a holding means of a systemof the character thus far referred to, a valve which is failsafe toclose when deactivated.

It is another object of this invention to provide an outlet safety meansfrom a holding means of the character thus far referred to, a meanssensing a flooding condition at the unit involved and thereupondeactivating the liquid pressure supply thereto, and necessarilyinterrupting the supply to other like units coupled in common therewith.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a serviceable systemof the type referred to, wherein the storage of liquid can-besupplemented at any time, wherein back flow is prevented, whereinelectrical energization fully automates the feed and supply of liquid toeach and every destination to which the system is plumbed, and whereineach unit operation is individually initiated without affect upon otherunit operations; and all to the end that recognized safety standards arefor the first time more than complied with, safety heretofore neglected.

The various objects and features of this invention will be fullyunderstood from the following detailed description of the typicalpreferred form and application thereof, throughout which descriptionreference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an electrical diagram and perspective schematic illustrationof the liquid handling system unit.

FIG. 2 is a composite electrical block diagram and liquid schematicshowing the cooperative arrangement of a plurality of fluid handlingsystem units shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a transverse section through the liquid handling means andtaken as indicated by line 33 on FIG. 1.

The safety feed system for liquids is a system of units that areemployed individually and/or cooperatively, to supply liquid to at leastone and most advantageously to a plurality of destinations. The plumbingof liquid handling pipes varies widely as circumstances require to meetspecifications involved with each terminal service thereof. In practice,each terminal service is controlled by a valve or the like, at theterminus of the plumbing pipe thereto or by control means withinequipment being serviced, supplied with liquid. An inherent danger is,of course, the possibility that the flow controls might fail, or thataccidental damage might result in drainage of liquid from the plumbing.In cases where dangerous liquids are being supplied, such as volatileand any number of active fluids, safety becomes critical and measuresare to be considered in order to preclude the voluminous discharge ofsaid liquids in the event of a malfunctioning of equipment and/orcontrols, or in the event of some accident or mistake which wouldnormally result in the creation of dangerous conditions. Therefore, thepresent inventive: concept involves a protected storage S of liquid tobe dispensed, a limited supply of said liquid in a holding means H, andplumbing P extending to any number of, equipment units X to be serviced.The distribution of liquid is accomplished with safety by employing theinventive concept which includes, generally, a motor driven pump means Asupplying said liquid into the holding means H, a safety inlet valve Bgoverning flow of liquid into the holding means H, a flow outlet Cdispensing the said liquid into the plumbing P, a motor and safety inletvalve control means D responsive to high and low sensors S1 and S2respectively, outlet safety means E responsive to excessive flow inoutlet C, and overflow safety means F responsive to abnormal flooding ofthe holding means H. The elements and/or means A through F arecooperatively combined to govern the storage S, holding means H andplumbing P with fail-safe assurance of eliminating the hazards thatusually accompany the handling of dangerous liquids.

The protected storage S is for the containment of bulk liquid, forexample, inflammable alcohol, and comprises a tank 10 having a filleropening with a closure 11 and having a syphon tube 12 extending to' theinterior sump area of the tank. The tank 10 is preferably installedunderground and is sizeable commensurate with the facility to beserviced thereby, said underground installation being the acceptablesafe way of storing inflammable liquids.

The holding means H is provided for the instantaneous supply of liquidto the plumbing P under a suitable head of pressure adapted to ensureimmediately forceful flow of fluid into any one of the equipment unitsX. The holding capacity of means H can vary greatly and is limited forsafety purposes, and means H is also a means for establishing aconsistent head of pressure upon the fluid column within the plumbing P.Although various types of accumulators and/or fluid pressure supply orpumping devices with liquid volume reserve can be employed, an elevatedholding tank is,

preferred and which is of limited volume and located at a height so asto establish the desired head of pressure. From FIG. 1 of the drawings,it will be seen that the system unit involves an elevated holding tank15 that receives liquid forced vertically through a supply or standpipe16, there being a foot-valve 17 immediately above the tank 10, acheckvalve permitting vertical flow and preventing return of liquid tothe tank.

Referring to FIG. 2 of the drawings, it will be seen that a multiplicityof safety feed systems are cooperatively combined and supplied from acommon storage tank 10, and that the separate feed systems are operableat co-levels and as well at multi-levels, it being a feature of theinvention that each safety feed system is self-protective withoutinterfering with the operation of the other cooperatively relatedsystems, and that the systems are cooperatively protective as relatedcommonly to the storage of liquid and motor operated pressure supply orlift therefor. However, each safety feed system can and preferablyremains identical one with the other, and virtually without change ormodification, regardless of the number of units in the multiplicitythereof.

Each safety feed system involving a holding means H supplying a separateplumbingsystem P comprises the elements and means A through Fhereinabove referred to, supplied with liquid from the protectedunderground storage tank S and supplied with operational energy from theusual commercial electrical power lines 14. And the multiplicity ofindividual systems being identical and/or essentially alike, adescription of the elements and means of one system (see FIG. 1) willsuffice for all.

The motor driven pump means A that supplies liquid into the holdingmeans H is a fluid lift adapted to be electrically powered to transferliquid from the storage tank 10 and into the elevated holding tank 15.The form of pump can vary, the pump 18 being driven by an electric motor19 through a drive shaft 20. The footvalve 17 is interposed between thepump 18 and standpipe 16, thereby protecting the pump and maintainingthe liquid column in said standpipe. As shown, the motor 19 is put intoand out of service by means of a normally open relay 21 included in thecircuitry of the control means D hereinafter described.

The safety inlet valve B is a normally closed valve that is opened bythe control means D responsive to the depletion of a normal liquid levelin the holding tank 15. It is preferred that the system control beelectrical in which case the valve B is a solenoid valve having anoperating coil 22 adapted to energize a magnetthat opens the valve.Valve B is disposed in a lateral pipe 23 extending from the standpipe16, there being a filler pipe 24 extending from the valve and openinginto the holding tank 15. It is preferred that the pipe 24 till the tank15 through the bottom thereof, there being a baffle 25 overlying theentrance in order to level the filling function.

The flow outlet C opens from the holding tank 15, dispensing the liquidtherefrom and into the plumbing P that provides the service to variousequipment units X. It is preferred that the outlet C comprise a flowpipe 26 opening through the bottom of the tank 15, from the tank at asump or lowermost extremity thereof, in order to ensure depletion ofliquid therein when so required.

The holding tank 15 is a closed vessel except for the aforementionedfill and outlet openings and except for a vent 30 that permits variationin the liquid level therein. In practice, the vent 30 opens toatmosphere from the top extremity of the tank, thereby establishing abreather to atmosphere. The safety feature, as best illustrated in FIG.3, is the provision of a float controlled shut-off valve 29 thatultimately closes the vent 30 in the event that motor driven pump meansA does not cease to operate after liquid reaches a high level in tank15. For example, a malfunctioning motor relay could cause such an event.In practice, the pump 18 operates by centrifugal action and developslimited pressure well within the strength range of the tank and relatedpiping. Thus, there can be no discharge of liquid through the vent 30,as would be caused by continued operation of the pump 18.

The motor and safety inlet valve control means D involves and isresponsive to high and low liquid level sensors 81 and S2 located withinthe closed holding tank 15. The control means D is preferably electricalwith the utilization of solid state sensors and switches that respond topermissible high and low operational liquid levels within the tank. Asbest illustrated in FIG. 3, the high and low level sensors S1 and S2 areelectronic probes 31 and 32, the former controlling a normally closedswitching circuit 33 and the latter controlling a normally openswitching circuit 34. The switching circuits 33 and 34 are of the usualsolid state electric design, equivalent to mechanically operated floatactuated switches. In any case, an electrical circuit is closed when alow liquid level is reached, and said closed electrical circuit isopened when a high liquid level is reached. Accordingly, the controlmeans D includes a holding relay having an operating coil 35 adapted toenergize a magnet that closes a motor switch 36, and an inlet valveswitch 37, and a holding circuit switch 38. Initial operation of therelay is by means of closing the switching circuit 34 when the probe 32is momentarily exposed above the lowering liquid level, thereby closinga motor relay circuit 39 to the motor relay 21 so as to close the sameand simultaneously closing an inlet valve circuit 40 to the solenoidcoil 22 to open the valve. The initiated operational condition ismaintained through the holding circuit switch 38 in series through theswitch 33 that is subsequently opened by rising of the liquid level tocover the probe 31 thereby stopping the motor driven pump means A andclosing the safety inlet valve B. Note particularly the grounding of therelay coil 21 through the overflow safety means F later described.

In carrying out this invention, the motor relay coil 21 and valvesolenoid coil 22 are energized and the sensor circuitry activated by aDC. power supply 45, in the case illustrated having a grounded circuit,and each feed system being self-sufficient in this respect.

The outlet safety means E that is responsive to excess flow in theoutlet C can vary in form and in its preferred form is a liquid levelsensor utilized to detect depletion of liquid in flow outlet C at agreater rate than normally permissible. Accordingly, the means Ecomprises a float 46 operable in a chamber 47 to open a normally closedswitch 48 in series in circuit 40, and to open a normally closed switch48' in series in circuit 54 later described. The chamber 47 is in opencommunication through a connection 49 with the flow pipe 26 and isvented into the top of the closed tank 15. The connection 49 is ofgreater flow capacity than the flow capacity of the pump 18, so that theliquid level in chamber 47 will drop even though supplied with the fullforce of said pump. In practice, the flow capacity from pump 18 isadjusted by means of a gate valve 49' that discharges into the tank 15.Thus, the opening of switch 48 overrides the demand for liquid made bysensor S2; and to facilitate reactivation of the system in the event ofa temporary depletion, a normally open push button switch 50 is providedto activate the motor relay 21 until such time as the flow pipe 26 isfilled to thereby permit closing of switch 48.

The overflow safety means F that is responsive to flooding of theholding means H can vary in form and in its preferred form is a liquidlevel sensor utilized to detect an excessive level of liquid in the tank15. The means F is preferably mechanical and independent of theelectrical circuitry which can malfunction under adverse circumstances,as in the event of a catastrophe. As shown in its preferred form, themeans F is a liquid level sensor utilized to detect the rise of liquidto the top of the tank 15. Accordingly, the means F comprises a float 51operable in a chamber 52 to open a normally closed switch 53 in serieswith relay coil 21 through a circuit 54. The circuit 54 continuesthrough the switch or switches 53 and extends to ground as shown. Thechamber 52 is open into tank well below the upper liquid level limit,and is vented into the top of the closed tank 15. Therefore, the motorrelay is inopera tive in the event that the rise of liquid in standpipel6 floods the holding tank 15. x

In accordance with the invention, the outlet safety means E and overflowsafety means F are cooperatively operative to open the circuit 54 whichnormally grounds the relay 21. As shown throughout the drawings theswitch or switches 48' are also in series in the circuit 54 to be openedby a lowering of liquid level to an abnormal level in the float chamber47. Therefore, the motor 19 is stopped simultaneously with closing ofthe valve B when any one of the switches 48' is opened.

Referring now to the cooperative composite of liquid feeding units asshown in FIG. 2, it will be observed that there is a multiplicity ofunits at one level, as well as units at various levels. However, thereis but one liquid storage S and motor powered liquid lift or means A, acommon motor relay circuit 39, and a common flood safety circuit 54. Theenergized side of the motor relay coil 21 is in parallel through circuitor circuits 39 with each and every relay switch 33 and is therebyoperable upon demand from any one or all units. However, the groundedside of the motor relay coil 21 is in series through circuit 54 witheach and every flood detecting switch 53 and is thereby effective tooverrideany and all demand signals. Thus, any malfunctioning is limitedto one but necessary motor controlling relay, known to be most reliable;said possible malfunctioning thereof being protected against by theflood controlled shut-off valve 29 that closes the vent in case ofcontinued flooding.

The plumbing of the cooperative composite in multiplicity form and atvarious levels involves the standpipe 16 and the footvalve 17 at thebase of each level. As shown, the footvalve 17 at the base of eachsuccessively higher level is located immediately above the lateral pipe23 of the next lower level, said pipe 23 extending horizontally to themultiplicity of holding 5 a lateral vent pipe 30'. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the individual safety feed systems remain independently operablewhile cooperating to the extent of being fed with liquid from a commonunderground storage tank S and through a common pump means A, and whileprotecting themselves individually as well as collectively in the eventof any malfunction that might result in otherwise uncontrolled dischargeof liquid.

In the event that either the outlet safety means E or the overflowsafety means F is activated by an abnormal low or high liquid levelrespectively, a warning of these conditions is effected by an alarmmeans preferably in the form of an audible device. As shown, the means100 is a bell that is electrically activated from the power supply 45through normally open switches 101 and 102. as the means E and F andwhich are in each instance closed by lowering and/or lifting of thefloat 46'and/or 51 respectively. The switching circuits to the bell arein parallel so that there is a warning in case of the liquid levelreaching an extreme in the holding tank 15.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that an automated safety feed systemis provided for safe handling of dangerous liquids, a system that isutilitarian singularly as well as in multiple cooperative form. The unitsystem is employed without change singularly or in plurality, and in allcases is independently protective, enhanced by the capability of beingcollectively protective; and all to the end that handling of saiddangerous liquids is made as safe as possible, even under adverseconditions which might occur.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of myinvention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specificdetails herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself anymodifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art:

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A self-protective safety feed system for supplying liquid on demandfrom a storage tank, and comprising; a powered motor driven pump means,a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forcedfrom the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and poweropened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through saidsupply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from anddispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and a motor powerand safety inlet valve power control means having a liquid level sensorin a chamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsiveto depletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control meansbeing activated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means topower the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through thesupply pipe and to power the safety inlet valve so as to openand'thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the firstmentioned sensor deactivates the said power control means to stop themotor and close the valve.

2. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 1 andwherein the liquid holding means is a liquid accumulator.

3. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 1 andwherein the liquid holding means is a fluid pressure supply device withliquid volume reserve.

4. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 1 andwherein the liquid holding means is an elevated vessel.

5. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 1,wherein the liquid holding means is an elevated vessel, and wherein thepower control means includes low and high level liquid sensors withinsaid vessel, the former to activate the inlet valve and motor drivenpump means and the latter to deactivate the said inlet valve and motordriven pump means.

6. A self-protective safety feed system for supplying liquid on demandfrom a storage tank, and comprising; a powered motor driven pump means,liquid holding means in the form of an elevated vessel receiving liquidthrough a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, anormally shut and power opened safetyinlet valve in and controllingliquid flow through said supply pipe, 21 valve controlled liquid flowoutlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means,a motor power and safety inlet valve power control means having a sensormeans in said liquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquidtherein and activated to power the motor driven pump means so as toforce liquid through the supply pipe and to power the safety inlet valveto open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until thesaid sensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means tostop the motor and close the valve, and including a liquid flow outletsafety means responsive to excessive flow in said outlet from theholding means and deactivating the motor and valve.

7. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6,including a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a float operatedcontrol deactivating the motor and safety inlet valve responsive toexcessive flow depleting a normal level therein.

8. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6,including a liquid overflow safety means responsive to flooding of thesaid vessel and deactivating the motor.

9. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6,including a normally open vent and shut-off valve therefor closed byflooding of liquid to an excessively high level within said closedvessel.

10. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6,wherein the liquid holding means is a closed vessel elevated withrespect to placement of the storage tank, wherein a checkvalve is in thesupply pipe immediately above the storage tank and faced to preventreturn of liquid to said tank, wherein the sensor means includes low andhigh level liquid sensing means within said vessel, the former toactivate the said power control means and the latter to deactivate thesaid power control means, a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising afloat operated control deactivating the motor and safety inlet valveresponsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein, a liquidoverflow safety means comprising a float operated control deactivatingthe motor responsive to flooding of the said vessel, and a normally openvent and shut-off valve therefor closed by flooding of liquid to anexcessively high level within said closed vessel.

11. An electrically energized self-protective safety feed system forsupply of liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; anelectrically powered motor driven pump means, a liquid holding meansreceiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank bysaid pump means, a normally shut sole noid opened safety inlet valve inand controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlledliquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquidholding means, and an electrical power supplied motor power and safetyinlet valve power control means having a liquid level sensor in achamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive todepletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means beingactivated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means toelectrically power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquidthrough the supply pipe and to electrically power the safety inlet valveso as to open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means untilthe first mentioned sensor deactivates the said power control means tostop the motor and close the valve.

12. The electrically powered self-protective safety feed system as setforth in claim 11, wherein the liquid holding means is an elevatedvessel, and wherein the power control means includes low and high levelliquid sensing switch operating means within said vessel, the formerclosing a switch to electrically activate the said power control meansand the latter opening a switch to deactivate the said power controlmeans.

13. An electrically energized self-protective safety feed system forsupply of liquid on demand from a storage tank, and comprising; anelectrically powered motor driven pump means, a liquid holding means inthe form of an elevated vessel receiving liquid through a supplypipe'forced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shutsolenoid opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flowthrough said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipefrom and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, anelectrical power supplied motor power and safety inlet valve powercontrol means having a sensor means in said liquid holding means andresponsive to depletion of liquid therein and activated to electricallypower the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through thesupply pipe and to electrically power the safety inlet valve to open andthereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the said sensormeans deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop themotorand close the valve, and including a liquid flow outlet safety meanscomprising a float warmed corllrliil Witch electrically deactivating thesaid motor and safety inlet valve responsive to excessive flow depletinga normal level therein.

14. The electrically powered self-protective safety feed system as setforth in claim 13, including a liquid overflow safety means comprising afloat operated control switch electrically deactivating the motorresponsive to flooding of said vessel.

15. The electrically powered self-protective safety feed system as setforth in claim 13, wherein the liquid holding means is a closed vessel,wherein a checkvalve is in the supply pipe immediately above the storagetank and faced to prevent return of liquid to said tank, wherein thesensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operatingmeans within said vessel, the former closing a switch to electricallyactivate the said power control means and the latter opening a switch todeactivate the said power contrdl means, a liquid flow outlet safetymeans comprising a float operated control switch electricallydeactivating the motor and safety inlet valve responsive to excessiveflow depleting a normal level therein, a liquid overflow safety meanscomprising a float operated control switch electrically deactivating themotor responsive to flooding of the said vessel, and a normally openvent and shut-off valve therefor closed by flooding of liquid to anexcessively high level within said closed vessel.

16. In combination, a multiplicity of self-protective safety feedsystems for separately supplying liquid on demand from a common storagetank and powered motor driven pump means, and each feed system in,cluding; a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipeforced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut andpower opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow throughsaid supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from anddispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and motor power andsafety inlet valve controlled means having a liquid level sensor in achamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive todepletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means beingactivated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means to powerthe motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supplypipe and to power its safety inlet valve so as to open and thereby admitliquid into the said holding means until the first mentioned sensordeactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor andclose its valve.

17. In combination, a multiplicity of self-protective safety feedsystems for separately supplying liquid on demand from a common storagetank and powered motor driven pump means elevated at multilevels andeach level fed'with liquid from a common standpipe supplying liquidforced from the storage tank by said pump means, and each feed systemincluding; a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipeforced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut andpower opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow throughsaid supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from anddis ensin li uid out of said li uid holdin means, mofor po%ver andsafety inlet val ve controll d means having a sensor means in saidliquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquid therein andactivated to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquidthrough the supply pipe and to power its safety inlet valve to open andthereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the sensor meansdeactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor andclose its valve, the supply pipes of each safety feed system extendinglaterally from said standpipe, and there being an upwardly facedcheckvalve in said standpipe immediately above the storage tank andimmediately above said laterally extending supply pipe at each level soas to prevent return of liquid through said standpipe and to said tank.

18. The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems asset forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts andstops the pump motor, and wherein the sensor means includes low and highlevel liquid sensing switch operating means within said holding meansand a parallel electrical circuit therefrom to said relay to start andstop the motor.

19 The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems asset forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts andstops the pump motor, and wherein a liquid overflow safety meanscomprising a float operated control switch electrically in series withsaid relay deactivates the same responsive to flooding of the holdingmeans to stop the motor.

20. The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems asset forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts andstops the pump motor, wherein the sensor means includes low and highlevel liquid sensing switch operating means within said holding meansand with a parallel electrical circuit therefrom to said relay to startand stop the motor, and wherein a liquid overflow safety meanscomprising a float operated control switch electrically in series withsaid relay deactivates the same responsive to flooding of the holdingmeans to stop the motor.

21. The combined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems asset forth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts andstops the pump motor, wherein the sensor means includes low and highlevel liquid sensing switch operating means within said holding meansand with a parallel electrical circuit therefrom to said relay to startand stop the motor, and wherein a liquid overflow safety meanscomprising a float operated control switch electrically in series withsaid relay deactivates the same responsive to flooding of the holdingmeans to stop the motor.

1. A self-protective safety feed system for supplying liquid on demandfrom a storage tank, and comprising; a powered motor driven pump means,a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipe forcedfrom the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut and poweropened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow through saidsupply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from anddispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and a motor powerand safety inlet valve power control means having a liquid level sensorin a chamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsiveto depletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control meansbeing activated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means topower the motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through thesupply pipe and to power the safety inlet valve so as to open andthereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the firstmentioned sensor deactivates the said power control means to stop themotor and close the valve.
 2. The self-protective safety feed system asset forth in claim 1 and wherein the liquid holding means is a liquidaccumulator.
 3. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth inclaim 1 and wherein the liquid holding means is a fluid pressure supplydevice with liquid volume reserve.
 4. The self-protective safety feedsystem as set forth in claim 1 and wherein the liquid holding means isan elevated vessel.
 5. The self-protective safety feed system as setforth in claim 1, wherein the liquid holding means is an elevatedvessel, and wherein the power control means includes low and high levelliquid sensors within said vessel, the former to activate the inletvalve and motor driven pump means and the latter to deactivate the saidinlet valve and motor driven pump means.
 6. A self-protective safetyfeed system for supplying liquid on demand from a storage tank, andcomprising; a powered motor driven pump means, liquid holding means inthe form of an elevated vessel receiving liquid through a supply pipeforced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut andpower opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow throughsaid supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from anddispensing liquid out of said liquiD holding means, a motor power andsafety inlet valve power control means having a sensor means in saidliquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquid therein andactivated to power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquidthrough the supply pipe and to power the safety inlet valve to open andthereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the said sensormeans deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop themotor and close the valve, and including a liquid flow outlet safetymeans responsive to excessive flow in said outlet from the holding meansand deactivating the motor and valve.
 7. The self-protective safety feedsystem as set forth in claim 6, including a liquid flow outlet safetymeans comprising a float operated control deactivating the motor andsafety inlet valve responsive to excessive flow depleting a normal leveltherein.
 8. The self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim6, including a liquid overflow safety means responsive to flooding ofthe said vessel and deactivating the motor.
 9. The self-protectivesafety feed system as set forth in claim 6, including a normally openvent and shut-off valve therefor closed by flooding of liquid to anexcessively high level within said closed vessel.
 10. Theself-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 6, wherein theliquid holding means is a closed vessel elevated with respect toplacement of the storage tank, wherein a checkvalve is in the supplypipe immediately above the storage tank and faced to prevent return ofliquid to said tank, wherein the sensor means includes low and highlevel liquid sensing means within said vessel, the former to activatethe said power control means and the latter to deactivate the said powercontrol means, a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a floatoperated control deactivating the motor and safety inlet valveresponsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein, a liquidoverflow safety means comprising a float operated control deactivatingthe motor responsive to flooding of the said vessel, and a normally openvent and shut-off valve therefor closed by flooding of liquid to anexcessively high level within said closed vessel.
 11. An electricallyenergized self-protective safety feed system for supply of liquid ondemand from a storage tank, and comprising; an electrically poweredmotor driven pump means, a liquid holding means receiving liquid througha supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, anormally shut solenoid opened safety inlet valve in and controllingliquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flowoutlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means,and an electrical power supplied motor power and safety inlet valvepower control means having a liquid level sensor in a chamber in opencommunication with the outlet pipe and responsive to depletion of liquidin said outlet pipe, the power control means being activated by a liquidlevel sensor in said liquid holding means to electrically power themotor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supply pipeand to electrically power the safety inlet valve so as to open andthereby admit liquid into the said holding means until the firstmentioned sensor deactivates the said power control means to stop themotor and close the valve.
 12. The electrically powered self-protectivesafety feed system as set forth in claim 11, wherein the liquid holdingmeans is an elevated vessel, and wherein the power control meansincludes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating means withinsaid vessel, the former closing a switch to electrically activate thesaid power control means and the latter opening a switch to deactivatethe said power control means.
 13. An electrically energizedself-protective safety feed system for supply of liquid on demand from astorage tank, and comprising; an electrically powered motor driven pumpmeans, a liquid holding means In the form of an elevated vesselreceiving liquid through a supply pipe forced from the storage tank bysaid pump means, a normally shut solenoid opened safety inlet valve inand controlling liquid flow through said supply pipe, a valve controlledliquid flow outlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquidholding means, an electrical power supplied motor power and safety inletvalve power control means having a sensor means in said liquid holdingmeans and responsive to depletion of liquid therein and activated toelectrically power the motor driven pump means so as to force liquidthrough the supply pipe and to electrically power the safety inlet valveto open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until thesaid sensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means tostop the motor and close the valve, and including a liquid flow outletsafety means comprising a float operated control switch electricallydeactivating the said motor and safety inlet valve responsive toexcessive flow depleting a normal level therein.
 14. The electricallypowered self-protective safety feed system as set forth in claim 13,including a liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operatedcontrol switch electrically deactivating the motor responsive toflooding of said vessel.
 15. The electrically powered self-protectivesafety feed system as set forth in claim 13, wherein the liquid holdingmeans is a closed vessel, wherein a checkvalve is in the supply pipeimmediately above the storage tank and faced to prevent return of liquidto said tank, wherein the sensor means includes low and high levelliquid sensing switch operating means within said vessel, the formerclosing a switch to electrically activate the said power control meansand the latter opening a switch to deactivate the said power controlmeans, a liquid flow outlet safety means comprising a float operatedcontrol switch electrically deactivating the motor and safety inletvalve responsive to excessive flow depleting a normal level therein, aliquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switchelectrically deactivating the motor responsive to flooding of the saidvessel, and a normally open vent and shut-off valve therefor closed byflooding of liquid to an excessively high level within said closedvessel.
 16. In combination, a multiplicity of self-protective safetyfeed systems for separately supplying liquid on demand from a commonstorage tank and powered motor driven pump means, and each feed systemincluding; a liquid holding means receiving liquid through a supply pipeforced from the storage tank by said pump means, a normally shut andpower opened safety inlet valve in and controlling liquid flow throughsaid supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flow outlet pipe from anddispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means, and motor power andsafety inlet valve controlled means having a liquid level sensor in achamber in open communication with the outlet pipe and responsive todepletion of liquid in said outlet pipe, the power control means beingactivated by a liquid level sensor in said liquid holding means to powerthe motor driven pump means so as to force liquid through the supplypipe and to power its safety inlet valve so as to open and thereby admitliquid into the said holding means until the first mentioned sensordeactivates the said last mentioned control means to stop the motor andclose its valve.
 17. In combination, a multiplicity of self-protectivesafety feed systems for separately supplying liquid on demand from acommon storage tank and powered motor driven pump means elevated atmultilevels and each level fed with liquid from a common standpipesupplying liquid forced from the storage tank by said pump means, andeach feed system including; a liquid holding means receiving liquidthrough a supply pipe forced from the storage tank by said pump means, anormally shut and power opened safety inlet valve in and controllingliquid floW through said supply pipe, a valve controlled liquid flowoutlet pipe from and dispensing liquid out of said liquid holding means,motor power and safety inlet valve controlled means having a sensormeans in said liquid holding means and responsive to depletion of liquidtherein and activated to power the motor driven pump means so as toforce liquid through the supply pipe and to power its safety inlet valveto open and thereby admit liquid into the said holding means until thesensor means deactivates the said last mentioned control means to stopthe motor and close its valve, the supply pipes of each safety feedsystem extending laterally from said standpipe, and there being anupwardly faced checkvalve in said standpipe immediately above thestorage tank and immediately above said laterally extending supply pipeat each level so as to prevent return of liquid through said standpipeand to said tank.
 18. The combined multiplicity of self-protectivesafety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein an electricallypowered relay starts and stops the pump motor, and wherein the sensormeans includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operating meanswithin said holding means and a parallel electrical circuit therefrom tosaid relay to start and stop the motor. 19 The combined multiplicity ofself-protective safety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein anelectrically powered relay starts and stops the pump motor, and whereina liquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated controlswitch electrically in series with said relay deactivates the sameresponsive to flooding of the holding means to stop the motor.
 20. Thecombined multiplicity of self-protective safety feed systems as setforth in claim 17, wherein an electrically powered relay starts andstops the pump motor, wherein the sensor means includes low and highlevel liquid sensing switch operating means within said holding meansand with a parallel electrical circuit therefrom to said relay to startand stop the motor, and wherein a liquid overflow safety meanscomprising a float operated control switch electrically in series withsaid relay deactivates the same responsive to flooding of the holdingmeans to stop the motor.
 21. The combined multiplicity ofself-protective safety feed systems as set forth in claim 17, wherein anelectrically powered relay starts and stops the pump motor, wherein thesensor means includes low and high level liquid sensing switch operatingmeans within said holding means and with a parallel electrical circuittherefrom to said relay to start and stop the motor, and wherein aliquid overflow safety means comprising a float operated control switchelectrically in series with said relay deactivates the same responsiveto flooding of the holding means to stop the motor.